What is soap scum?

Soap scum is a filmy layer that can be white or gray. It can cover many exposed surfaces in your bathroom including shower curtains, bathroom fixtures, tiles, shower doors, etc. Soap scum is formed by the accumulation of minerals in water that combine with soap and dirt to create a scaly layer of scum throughout the bathroom. Soap scum is sticky and adheres to the surfaces and also catches things that come into its path like hair, dead skin cells, dirt, and body oils. If you have “hard water”- more minerally enriched tap water- you are more likely to get soap scum. Soap scum becomes difficult to remove when left alone for extended periods of time and does build up the more the area is used. It can also combine with other molds and mildews to further discolor your bathroom. Soap scum should be effectively managed so that it does not permanently damage or endanger your bathroom. Soap scum is also known as limescale.

How do you get rid of soap scum?

The best way is to take preventative measures against soap scum. It is much easier to prevent than to scrub away. If you wipe down tubs, shower areas and sinks at least once a week you are going a long way to prevent soap scum buildup. The warmth and humidity of the bathroom just after showering or bathing aid in the easier removal of soap scum. Try adding vinegar, detergent or ammonia to your weekly wipe down to add more power to your prevention.

If you have it already, how do you go about getting rid of it? Commercial degreasers are very effective against soap scum. Also try products specifically fabricated for getting rid of soap scum. Baking soda can also help, acting as an abrasive to lift away layers of soap scum. You may also need small brushes like toothbrushes to help reach into small corners where soap scum loves to hide. Brillo pads or wire brushes are also effective tools in scrubbing away the scum. Warmed vinegar or a spray bottle filled with ammonia will help clean the area as much as it prevents soap scum build up. Make sure to use two parts water to every one part cleaner. Also, some have suggested using a wet dryer sheet to remove soap scum. Try these homemade solutions before investing in heavy duty chemicals.

Make sure to be prepared for your battle against soap scum. If using heavy duty cleaners, make sure a window or door is open to improve circulation and ventilation in a small space. Remember to also wear gloves and refrain from touching your eyes so that you do not irritate your skin. If you are well prepared for your battle against soap scum, you are sure to come out victorious.

The best solution is the simplest — don’t let your shower door get dirty. Wipe it down every day. The easiest way to make sure this happens is to keep a plastic squeegee inside the shower door. Some of them even come with little suction cups so you can hang them up.

Make it part of your daily routine to use that squeegee after your shower. It just takes a second, and it really pays off. Then, when you get out of the shower, leave the shower door open a crack. This will let air circulate and keep away the mildew.

Even with the daily wipe-down, you should clean the shower (including the door) once a week. A regular glass cleaner should work just fine, if you’ve followed this simple daily routine. If the door has a metal rim, it can be cleaned using a mild detergent and water. Lemon oil, if used afterwards, can add a real sparkle; just remember that a tiny drop goes a long, long way.

Also, remember to check the caulk while you’re cleaning the door. If any of it has broken away or developed cracks, it needs to be replaced quickly before any water damage occurs.

Fortunately, with the new squeezable caulk-containers, it’s easy to reapply; just squeeze it out like toothpaste, then go over it with a plastic spoon to smooth it.

Now, if you didn’t quite follow a basic maintenance routine… here are a few suggestions for dealing with the (often ugly!) results.

Does your shower door have built-up soap scum? There’s a simple solution for that which you probably already have in your pantry… white vinegar! It works very well on soap scum due to its high acidity.

Apply, let it sit for a few minutes, and then give it a scrub. Just ensure that you rinse it all away after you’re done.

Another great option to try on soap scum is adding just a touch of liquid fabric softener to water and applying that onto the soap scum. Let it sit for a minute and then scrub and rinse.

If the gunk on your shower door is extremely built up and you’d like to use some kind of a mild abrasive, tooth paste works surprisingly well. Remember, you’re working with glass, so you don’t want to use the same kind of harsh abrasive that would be okay in the tub or on the tile floor.

In any of these cases, remember that just because a cleanser can be used on glass doesn’t mean it should be left on the metal rim of the door or the tile floor of the shower. Ensure that you rinse well, in any case, and treat your shower door with care.